Carbon monoxide alarms required in rental units by Jan. 1

A new state law to protect citizens from the colorless and odorless -- yet highly dangerous and even fatal -- effects of carbon monoxide will go into effect Jan. 1.

The second part of SB 183 requires owners of apartment buildings and other multi-family dwellings to install carbon monoxide detectors.

"It's a killer, a silent killer," said Gene Pedrotti of Benicia's Ace Hardware where numerous building owners are stocking up on the alarms.

Likewise, Joe Pierre, manager of the O'Connor Lumber-Ace Hardware in Vallejo, said apartment owners have been flocking in to buy devices which operate much like smoke detectors.

"They are beneficial for the rare instance that someone is sleeping and you have a leak. A lot of times those people don't wake up," Pierre said.

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act required owners of single-family homes to have installed carbon monoxide detectors by July of last year.

Under the law, alarms must be installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level of a home, including the basement. They must be either battery-powered or have a plug-in with battery backup.

Many Californians are in the dark about carbon monoxide laws and may have to remind their landlords to equip rooms and hallways with alarms, according to First Alert which specializes in carbon monoxide alarms and similar equipment.

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel -- such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal -- is burned, according to the state.

If appliances that burn these items are well-maintained and are being used properly, the carbon monoxide levels are usually not hazardous, experts say. But poorly maintained appliances can result in high levels building up inside rooms.

Vallejo Fire Department fire prevention manager Vince Sproete said carbon monoxide alarms are more necessary now than ever before. That's because modern dwellings are usually so well-insulated that no fresh air can come in to ventilate rooms when heating appliances are on, he said.

Most people don't realize they have a carbon monoxide leak until it is too late and they become sick, said California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (Cal Fire) spokesman Daniel Berlant.

Once poisoned, people can exhibit flu-like symptoms which can lead to death if not treated, Berlant said.